Urbina Bay & Punta Moreno
Today we explored the fabulous western side of Isabela. The volcanic uplift of 1954 created a unique environment at Urvina Bay. Even though I have walked here for many years, it is still hard for me to comprehend a force so powerful that it could lift this entire shoreline. Even more mind boggling is that this force could again be released at any time. The deteriorating coral heads that rest high-and-dry on land helped us imagine what things used to look like – when free swimming planktonic larvae settled down into a permanent stasis of teeming corals forming calcium shelter.
The endemic reptiles in this region were active, giving us a chance to practice our photographic skills – capturing the intense yellow color of the land iguanas or the intricate pattern of the tortoise carapace. Numerous finches swirled around our heads in a chaotic but funny way that made us see both the simplicity of their lives and yet how well adapted these little birds are to this hostile environment.
At Punta Moreno in the afternoon, we had a pleasant visit in spite of the strong breeze that bathed the entire lava field. Brackish water ponds in the midst of the lava held some wildlife surprises: greater flamingos, common gallinules and yellow tailed mullets.
After the hike we took the Zodiac into the mangrove lagoon where a school of golden rays darted from one side to the other. Animals surrounded us. Penguins, spotted eagle rays, blue footed boobies and pelican posed everywhere we looked.
The sun has set and dinner smells wonderful. It will be another early night, after a little dancing. An amazing day in the Galápagos.|
